BOSTON Scientists are growing ears, bone and skin in the lab, and doctors are planning more face transplants and other extreme plastic surgeries. Around the country, the most advanced medical tools that exist are now being deployed to help America's veterans and wounded troops.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday reassigned one of its regional managers in the wake of an investigation into growing allegations of ignored safety violations, attempted retribution and cover-ups within the agency.

Federal airline inspector Bobby Boutris began noticing problems with safety compliance at Southwest Airlines as early as 2003. Then, two years ago, he asked his supervisor to begin a formal investigation.

Many selective private colleges are reporting a boom in applications and, as a result, expect to admit a lower proportion of high school seniors than last year. The trend has heightened anxiety among already nervous high-school students.